The Kirkus Prize is one of the richest literary awards in the world, with a prize of $50,000 bestowed annually to authors of fiction, nonfiction and young readers’ literature. It was created to celebrate the 81 years of discerning, thoughtful criticism Kirkus Reviews has contributed to both the publishing industry and readers at large. Books that earned the Kirkus Star with publication dates between November 1, 2014, and October 31, 2015, are automatically nominated for the 2015 Kirkus Prize, and the winners will be selected on October 23, 2015, by an esteemed panel composed of nationally respected writers and highly regarded booksellers, librarians and Kirkus critics.

KIRKUS REVIEW

Nikki Donovan still isn’t used to the idea that she’s a demon princess, heiress to a vast netherworld called the Shadowlands (Reign or Shine, 2009). She’s happy to be back to the normal, boring halls of high school until a hot foreign-exchange student, Rhys, enrolls. Rhys, who is actually the faery king, ends any hope Nikki had for normalcy. To further complicate Nikki’s life, her best friend is training to become a demon slayer, and the boy who took her to the winter dance might know exactly what she is. News of a prophecy that states Nikki will bring about the apocalypse shakes the Underworld, so Nikki travels into hostile territory to confront the Underworld council. Underworld politics and a love triangle among Rhys, Nikki and Nikki’s Shadow boyfriend Michael keep the story moving along. Nikki’s disbelief that she’s a major demon player brings humor, but she is never obnoxious or overly witty. This volume should leave readers breathless and wondering what royalty and love will bring to their horned heroine. (Supernatural chick lit. 12 & up)

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